Redondo Breakwater
As
an answer to Redondo Beach's booming resort town, a small-craft
harbor was built in 1939. This harbor was protected on the Northwest
by a half-mile long, arc-shaped breakwater. Problems of sand erosion
and not enough protection for the harbor and municipal pier prompted
the city to extend the breakwater another half-mile to the southeast
and add a small jetty to the south end of the harbor in 1958.
It is the 100,000 tons of jumbled boulders on a sand bottom that created this dive site. The main diving attraction of the breakwater is its plentiful game. Several varieties of game fish are common and although their numbers have diminished, lobster is plentiful. Crab and octopus are also easily found
The plentiful game is a result of the breakwater's large boulder construction, warm water dump from the nearby Edison power plant, and the nearby submarine canyon. The power plant dumps its warmed cooling water from submerged towers around the breakwater. The warm seawater attracts and promotes growth of a variety of sea life. Nutrient rich upwellings from the canyon further enhance this mix.
These submerged towers are also used for seawater intake and may pose a hazard if approached; however, the towers are well clear of the breakwater. A diver has only to stay near the breakwater to avoid any danger.
The variety of marine life makes this an interesting if not intriguing site for the photographer. Short-spined sea stars so large they were not dwarfed by the huge boulders they were perched upon. Tucked in and about the boulders are various sponges, feather worms, anemones, and a variety of gorgonians. Even stands of the dead orange gorgonians make great diver photographs with its striking deep red colors.
The diving closer in to the breakwater is one continuous boulder field. Boulder upon boulder creates the perfect habitat for many a creature. Obviously the lobster loves this area and is a continuous catch all through lobster season, though odds are you'll not get your limit. You might get one per dive. This is due to the literally millions of holes and crevices created by the mile long breakwater. Many lobsters may never venture far enough out in the open to end up in your game bag.
The lobster is not the only thing you'll find lurking upon the boulders. Tucked back between large loosely packed boulders was the biggest cabezon I have ever seen. He peered out at me with a great big smile on his face - he was tucked back in such a way that we couldn't even get the camera into position, let alone a speargun.
As you move away from the breakwater and further out to sea, the boulders will begin to give way to sand patches and then to a completely flat sand bottom. This is where you encounter sea pansies, large moon sails and halibut - another reason the breakwater is perfect for the underwater hunter.
You can dive only the outside of the breakwater and this is best done by boat. There is a small boat launch ramp (hand carried boats only such as small inflatables or kayaks) behind the Seaside Lagoon (by the Ruby's restaurant). There is no charge for using the ramp but there is a parking charge.
Diving from shore is possible but difficult. It should be attempted only on calm day by experienced divers. Access the breakwater from shore off Harbor Drive at Yacht Club Way. The road ends at the King Harbor Yacht Club (you'll have to pay for parking, if available). The boat docks will be on the left and the seawall to the right. Access to the breakwater is at the extreme west end of the lot. You'll have to park outside the Yacht Club parking lot and walk to the rocks.
Before donning gear, climb to the top of the breakwater and check the conditions. Diving here is often ruined by just a moderate swell. A three or four-foot swell can make entries hazardous, visibility poor, and movement on the bottom difficult in the surge. Call ahead for the surf report to check surf conditions. Diving is best in the early morning, when wind chop is at a minimum. Disregard the temptation of diving inside the harbor as this is illegal without a permit.
Although the best diving is 50 to 100 yards farther out along the breakwater, it's best to enter the water here and swim out, as walking along the breakwater is hazardous especially with scuba gear. Entry is easy when calm from the flat rocks along the water line.
Water depth adjacent to the parking lot is 20 to 25 feet. Depths drop off slowly, moving south along the breakwater to a maximum of 45 feet at the tip.
Although some of the best diving is at the tip, it is either a long swim or a long walk. Generally, the best diving route is to enter near the parking lot, swim 50 to 100 yards south along the breakwater, descend and continue south underwater enjoying the scenery. To return, halfway or so through your tank, turn around 180 degrees and retrace north. Nooks, crannies and small caves are numerous all along the breakwater and many are filled with fascinating creatures. With luck, your dive will finish at or near your entry point.
Location: King Harbor breakwater, Redondo Beach.
Access and Entry: Best from boat, inflatable or kayak (launched from inside harbor). From shore possible across rocks, but only when calm and by experienced divers.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Depths: 10 to 45 feet.
Visibility: Generally good, 15 -25 feet, but can be reduced by red tide.
Snorkeling: Not recommended due to surge.
Photography:
Good for both macro and wide angle with a wide variety of subjects
and reasonably clear water.
Hunting: Good for lobster and scallops. Spearfishing fair to good for halibut and some reef fish.
Restrictions: Diving inside harbor prohibited
Hazards: Boat traffic. Stay close to breakwater to avoid intake towers from power plant on shore. Fishing line. Strong surge.
Kim Sheckler is executive editor of California Diving News, coauthor of the book Southern California's Best Beach Dives, and executive director of SCUBA Show 2000, largest consumer dive expo in the west, June 3 & 4 at Long Beach Convention Center.
